Senior royal aides have launched an extraordinary behind-the-scenes attack on Prince Harry's ongoing legal battle for police protection in the UK, revealing the deepening chasm between the Duke of Sussex and the institution he left behind.
The Security Standoff
According to explosive revelations, palace insiders have described Harry's judicial review against the Home Office's decision to remove his automatic right to Metropolitan Police protection as "delusional" and "completely divorced from reality." The Duke's legal team has been fighting to restore his security detail during UK visits, claiming he faces unique threats and cannot return safely without proper protection.
Palace Perspective: A Harsh Reality Check
Royal sources delivered a blistering assessment of the situation, stating: "He wants to have his cake and eat it. He walked away from royal duties but expects to retain all the privileges. The idea that British taxpayers should fund round-the-clock protection for someone who commercially exploits his royal status in California is frankly absurd."
The aides emphasised that security decisions rest with the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), not the Royal Family itself. "This isn't personal, it's procedural," one insider stressed, though the tone of the comments suggests significant frustration within palace circles.
The Financial Burden Argument
Sources highlighted the enormous cost implications, with one aide noting: "Proper royal protection involves multiple officers, vehicles, and intelligence support. We're talking tens of thousands of pounds per day. Meanwhile, he's earning millions from Netflix deals and book advances while complaining about being cut off financially."
A Family Divide Widens
The scathing comments from royal staffers underscore the deteriorating relationship between Harry and the institution he formally left in 2020. The language used - describing his position as "delusional" and "divorced from reality" - represents some of the strongest criticism yet from within palace walls.
As the legal battle continues through the courts, the public airing of such vehement opposition from royal aides suggests any reconciliation between Harry and the working royals remains distant. The security dispute has become symbolic of the wider tensions surrounding Harry's desire for independence while retaining certain royal privileges.
